Replacing Deck Lid Torsion Rods

[nfrntau]

Replacing deck lid torsion rods
The right and the wrong way.

Wrong first:
When I removed the torsion rods I didn't know any better. I removed the bolts for both hinges and removed them both at the same time with the rods attached. They came out perfectly with the rods still attached. Little did I know what was going to happen next. I placed them on end against the corner and you guessed it TWANG!! I was really lucky I didn't get hurt. I had no idea what I was playing with.
Well since I took them out that way I figured they must go back in the same way. I put one hinge on the ground put the first rod in and then twisted the other hinge around until I got the second rod in place. Then installed the whole thing in the car. It looked right but the deck lid wouldn't stay open no matter which adjustment I used.
What happened was I over torqued the first rod and it lost it's spring never to work correctly again.

So that leads to the right way.
I made a tool as per the attached photos. It is made from 2" aluminum angle and is 9" long. Next I used the information found at the classic cougar network at this link.
http://www.theclassiccougarnetwork.com/tccn2/index.html
Go to "Tech How To" button at the top - then "Restoration & Repair" green arrow - then "Repairing Droopy Trunk Lids" red arrow
I left the hinges installed this time and installed the rods one at a time. I laid inside the trunk, inserted the rod in the tool and soooo easy I was able to twist the rods and install them in their seats on the hinges.

I highly recommend this method.
A special thanks to Neil for his assistance in finding the trunk rods for me.
I installed them in the lowest setting and they work perfectly.

 

[hookedtrout]

Awesome info, thanks for posting it.

Cory

 

[J_Speegle]

Thanks for posting ---- looks like a great tool for a difficult task

 

[Russ]

I just fixed my trunk problem by making a tool like this...it works GREAT! Thanks Russ

 

[patrick076]

what are the benefits of changing this portion of vehicle !!!!!!!!

 

[franklinair]

Patrick;
If you're referring to changing the trunklid torsion rods - after 40+ years they sometimes become weak, and do not hold the trunklid up.

Neil

 

[PonyGal]

Patrick;
If you're referring to changing the trunklid torsion rods - after 40+ years they sometimes become weak, and do not hold the trunklid up.

Neil

...and then you need to resort to using a hockey puck :-\